97th Meeting of NPG evaluates rail and road projects
NEW DELHI : The 97th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) was chaired by Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Shri Pankaj Kumar, convened on Wednesday to evaluate significant infrastructure projects from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Railways (MoR). The meeting focused on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency, aligning with the core principles of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).
The NPG evaluated a total of five projects, comprising three from MoRTH and two from MoR. Among these, two projects are brownfield and three are greenfield. Each project was assessed for its conformity to PM GatiShakti’s principles of integrated multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, and inter-departmental coordination. These initiatives are poised to significantly boost logistics efficiency, reduce travel times, and deliver substantial socio-economic benefits across the regions they serve.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
Dwarka Tunnel
This proposed 6-lane underground tunnel will extend Nelson Mandela Marg towards Gurgaon and Dwarka, creating seamless integration between NH-8 and the Dwarka Expressway via a crucial interchange near Shiv Murti. The greenfield alignment is designed to strengthen connectivity between Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road (UER-2), provide alternate access to IGI Airport (reducing reliance on NH-48), and alleviate congestion on NH-48 and surrounding arterial corridors. The tunnel will pass through key localities in New Delhi and South Delhi, significantly enhancing freight and passenger movement by connecting major logistics hubs and diverting commercial vehicles, thereby reducing urban travel time and congestion.
Patna-Purnia 6-lane Expressway
This proposed 244.930 km long, 6-lane expressway aims to establish a high-speed intermodal connectivity corridor between Patna and Purnia. Designed for a speed of 120 km/h, it will connect three major airports (Darbhanga and Purnia), significantly enhancing ground and air transport integration. Spanning six districts and fostering rural development, the expressway will reduce travel time, promote religious and cultural tourism, enhance defense connectivity to key installations, and boost industrial logistics by offering direct access to major economic hubs.
Widening of Existing Two Lane to Four Lane of Suratgarh-Sri Ganganagar
This project involves upgrading the 75.550 km stretch of National Highway-62 from Suratgarh to Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan to a four-lane configuration. Strategically located near India’s western border, this project holds high significance for military mobility and defense logistics. It will also strengthen interstate connectivity between Rajasthan and Punjab, catalyzing regional industrial and agricultural growth by linking agri-business, textiles, and food processing hubs to broader markets. The improved alignment will facilitate tourism, rural development, and sustainable transport integration.
Ministry of Railways (MoR)
New Line between Baddi-Ghanauli
The Ministry of Railways has proposed a new 25.396 km railway line between Baddi and Ghanauli, traversing Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. This greenfield project aims to bolster connectivity in a region known for its robust industrial presence, particularly pharmaceutical and manufacturing hubs. The new rail corridor is strategically positioned to enhance multimodal connectivity, improve regional mobility, support industrial logistics, and contribute to the economic development of the adjoining areas.
Doubling between Kanalus and Okha Stations
This proposal involves doubling the existing 141.117 km railway line between Kanalus Junction and Okha in Gujarat. This strategically significant alignment passes through culturally and historically important regions, aiming to bolster connectivity to key religious destinations like Dwarkadhish Temple and Okha Port, which witness substantial pilgrim influx. The doubling will significantly improve passenger movement, ensuring safer, faster, and more efficient travel. From a strategic standpoint, its proximity to India’s western maritime borders makes it vital for defense logistics and operational efficiency. The route is also a critical freight corridor, connecting major industrial hubs and facilitating seamless freight movement across Gujarat and beyond.